Solicitor apprenticeship

Generative AI (GenAI) is a fascinating branch of AI that can produce original and creative content. It uses complex algorithms and neural networks to learn from data and generate outputs that mimic human-like creativity. The data used to train GenAI tools can be text, images, audio, video or other types of content.

GenAI is changing how we work and will impact how you work in your career. It has the potential to bring benefits and opportunities yet also poses challenges and risks.

If you're planning to use GenAI tools within the recruitment process, we'd recommend being both responsible and cautious. The recruitment process for our early careers programmes is your opportunity to demonstrate your potential – your experiences, skills, strengths and career aspirations. It's also our way of assessing whether you're likely to succeed in an early careers role at DLA Piper.

Integrity and honesty are fundamental attributes of anyone aspiring to work in the legal industry. Using GenAI tools can be helpful in your job search and in the application process, if the tools are used appropriately. Maintaining integrity whilst using these tools requires human direction over how generative AI is used, and here's our top tips for getting this right.

What does good use of GenAI tools look like?

1. Upskilling yourself on the limitations of GenAI technologies and being aware of GenAI tools-related risks and how to prevent them.

2. Being transparent about your use of AI. Be prepared to discuss how you've used GenAI tools in the recruitment process – this will demonstrate your ability to leverage new technologies effectively whilst also showing that you understand what ethical usage looks like.

3. Understanding how the GenAI tools work. GenAI tools like ChatGPT are like a 'really big word calculator' – you don't need to have detailed knowledge about the inner workings of the GenAI tools, but taking the time to understand how they work is important to ensure you're using the GenAI tools appropriately.

4. Researching employers and what different employers are looking for from candidates. GenAI tools can be helpful in finding job opportunities which match your strengths and career aspirations.

5. Helping your initial brainstorming process. GenAI tools can help inspire, clarify and articulate your ideas, but they cannot replicate your personal thoughts and feelings. Always refine the tool's output using your own voice and experiences - an AI-generated response to a motivational question will not authentically convey your skills and experiences.

6. Helping you structure your ideas. Once you've decided what you want to say, a GenAI tool could help you decide how to layout your ideas. Always check the tool's output, which should be used as a first draft for you to edit.

7. Checking written responses for readability, especially for spelling, grammar and clarity.

8. Anonymising your inputs to the tool and removing all personal data and sensitive information. For example, if you're asking the GenAI tool to check your CV for brevity, remember to remove your name from the document you upload. This is because all data inputted into GenAI tools is used to train the algorithm and the tools are not usually capable of maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.

9. Asking the tool for tips on how to prepare for online assessments, for example the Watson Glaser critical thinking assessment. These tips can help you prepare for and reduce your anxiety when completing the real assessment.

10. Using the tool to help you prepare for interviews or assessment centres, by asking for example interview questions.

What does poor use of GenAI tools look like?

1. Copy and pasting AI-generated responses without editing the output or clearly acknowledging where the information has been obtained from. Don't rely on automated personalisation and don't let the GenAI tools replace your personal stories and experiences.

2. Using simple and generic prompts. The tool's output will be based on the question you ask it (known as a prompt) so it may not always provide comprehensive or relevant information.

3. Relying solely on the GenAI tools and not checking the output for factual accuracy. Always understand the sources of the AI-generated content and fact check all outputs.

4. Using the GenAI tools to replace your thoughts and capabilities.

5. Using the GenAI tools to misrepresent your skills, strengths or experiences.

6. Using the GenAI tools to complete online assessments within the recruitment process, because they will give an inaccurate picture of your true abilities. These assessments are designed to assess your capabilities and potential, therefore using GenAI tools to generate answers for you will misrepresent how you naturally think.

7. Using the GenAI tools to give you responses to video interview questions. This is because the responses will not portray your authentic voice, may not contain accurate content and will likely not sound natural when read aloud. Overreliance on scripted responses from GenAI tools will also mean that you'll be less prepared for unexpected questions.

Explore how we're helping clients understand the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence here.

On an Apprenticeship programme, you'll gain the experiences, skills and training to kick-start your career, in a supportive and inclusive environment. You will be working in our firm from day one while receiving dedicated coaching from colleagues and the apprenticeship tuition provider. You will receive a salary and have your apprenticeship fully funded. Ultimately you will leave the programme fully qualified with a wide range of work experience and with no student debt! 

Benefits include:

• A government accredited Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship (equivalent to a master’s degree) 
• 20% of your time to spend on off-the-job learning, this enables you to dedicate time for your academic learning
• A professional qualification, technical and non-technical internal learning, coaching, work-shadowing and many other experiences to support your development
• Tracked progression across your apprenticeship, allowing you to see how you are developing against the apprenticeship standard and what’s coming next
• A large support network including a supportive team, supervisor, skills coach and buddy
• A dedicated Apprenticeship Programme Manager who will provide advice, targeted development opportunities specific to your need and pastoral care support

We are looking for talented school leavers and career changers who are looking to continue their education while working to build their knowledge and experience as a Solicitor. We are open to a wide range of previous academic and work experience, if you believe you can add value to the firm then please apply! We are looking for your potential and we will assess your suitability for the apprenticeship through the application process. Good luck!

As a firm we do not have any academic requirements to apply for our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme, however the tuition providers we work with do have minimum academic requirements.

• You will need at least three C’s at A Level and Maths/English GSCE at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications)
• You must also have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for the last 3 years

If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please get in touch with us to discuss your eligibility.

20% of your time will be spent on off-the-job learning which equates to one day per week, allowing you to focus on developing the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours chosen by industry experts, to help you build a strong career. One day per week will be a mixture of in person and virtual study sessions, lectures and focused study time dependent on the apprenticeship you apply for.